Time to consider ending seal hunt, MP Cleary says

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NDP MP Ryan Cleary (pictured in a file photo) is questioning the future of the seal hunt. (CBC)

A Newfoundland and Labrador MP believes it's time to examine whether the seal hunt should end.

New Democrat Ryan Cleary says it seems no one wants seal products anymore.

"Part of our history is also whaling, for example, and the day came when the whaling industry stopped," said Cleary, the MP for St. John's South-Mount Pearl. "Now, is that day coming with the seal hunt? It just may be."

Russia, Belarus and Kazahkstan are the latest countries to ban the import and export of seal pelts.That follows a decision by the European Union to ban non-Inuit seal products.

Cleary says Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are taking a lot of heat for an industry which was worth only $1 million to the province last year.

"We know that the world appetite is not there for seal meat, but the world appetite for seal products — I don't know if it's there. And you know what? I may be shot for talking about this, and for saying this, but it's a question we all have to ask."

Cleary says he and the federal NDP still officially support the seal hunt.